There is no doubt that real estate markets around the world are going through the toughest times in decades. And here in Australia the situation is not very different. Our real estate market is also stagnant.
But guess that? In all that pessimism and pessimism, there is good news for homeowners trying to sell a property in a buyer’s market. With these 10 no-cost home organization tricks, you can add significant value to your ‘For Sale’ property and increase the selling price of your property.
The first impression
Why?
Because buyers are likely to go through the exterior of your home before inspecting the interior. If they don’t like what they see, they won’t come back. Once buyers are ready to inspect the property, the look of the front yard will set the tone for the interior of the home.
What you can do:
Trim trees and shrubs, remove weeds, sweep driveways and porches, and keep your driveway clean and accessible during inspection days. Keep the front clear of toys, bicycles, etc. children and remove cobwebs from eaves. Make sure your doorbell works and the paint is in good condition. Don’t leave a shoe collection outside your door for shoppers to stumble upon.
Cleanliness is next to godliness
Why?
It’s a no-brainer. Everybody wants to be clean. Anything less distracts buyers who can’t help but see the features of the home. A property that is not clean inside and out is a red flag for all but the most determined buyers. Ignore this at your own risk.
What you can do:
Clean everything! This means washing, scrubbing, mopping, and dusting. You need to clean to a standard beyond what you normally would. You will have to scrub behind the toilet, clean the oven after each use, while the house is on the market. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Dirt and grime in these two areas of a home will cost a lot of money.
Basic maintenance
Why?
If cleanliness is next to godliness, then the devil is in the details when it comes to home maintenance. A light that doesn’t work or a door that doesn’t close properly may be something you no longer notice. But your buyer will. If buyers notice basic maintenance issues, they’ll suspect there are more they can’t see. And you can bet that a buyer will take the cost (and a bit more) of doing those repairs, from their sale price.
What you can do:
Check everything. We talk about every light, every hinge, every surface and every tap. Make sure all access points are just that: accessible. If it is electricity or water, see a professional to repair it.
Start packing
Because ?:
Because you’re moving right? And on top of that, the less of your stuff in space, the bigger it will appear. Buyers are not interested in your stuff. Yes, they want to know what the function of a room is. But they are not interested in photos of you and your extended family. Or the mountain of toys that children have. Warning: do not strip your house. Otherwise, it will leave you feeling cold and unwelcoming.
What you can do:
Start packing everything that you are not using on a day-to-day basis. Do this work early so it doesn’t overwhelm you, and then get the whole family involved. Avoid storing excess equipment in the garage if you can. A better option is a storage facility. Some storage companies even bring the storage to you so that you can load it up, they will store it, and then deliver it to your new place when needed.
Define the space
Because ?:
Frankly sells. This is what buyers want. Therefore, the more spacious and usable a space is, the more it can be sold. All buyers should know that a home meets the basic requirements. A place to eat, bathe, sleep and play. A home gym instead of a bedroom will cost you. If you are not using a bedroom as a bedroom, for example, the buyer may wonder why. Is it because a bed doesn’t fit? Suddenly, your home is less salable because it cannot meet the basic needs of a buyer.
What you can do:
If you are using a bedroom as a home office, convert it back to a bedroom. If you have converted the garage into a home theater system, revert to its original use. Don’t have a place for a dining table to eat? Better create one. You don’t need to host a banquet in it. It can be small. It just needs to be there.
Play kitchen
Because ?:
Kitchens are one of the two most valuable spaces a property has. Here’s the thing. It’s not uncommon for a kitchen to make or break the sale of a property, so you should do everything you can to make it an asset to your home. The key is to make it look spacious, with plenty of storage space and usable work space.
What you can do:
At the very least, it should be impeccably clean and orderly. Check the oven, stove, sink, and benches. And let there be light. The more natural light the better. Keep window shades open or remove them completely if possible. Keep your tables free of general kitchen clutter and limit tabletop appliances to no more than two. They are big suckers from space.
And the bathroom
Because ?:
Along with kitchens, bathrooms are another of the most valuable spaces in a house. This is because if a buyer doesn’t like what they see and wants or needs to make changes, it seems like an expensive and time-consuming project after buying the home.
What you can do:
Again we are talking about clean, clean, clean. Toilet, sink, bathtub. Don’t forget the tile and grout. A good scrub with a small brush makes them look like new. Put away your toiletries and then make your mirrors look bright. Spice it up with new and matching towels.
Livingroom
Because ?:
This is an important gathering space for most people. They relax and entertain. So it should appear that you can easily accomplish that purpose.
What you can do:
Keep it neat and add lots of light. Do not furnish too much, otherwise it is difficult for buyers to move around without bumping into the furniture. Keep most surfaces clear. Leave a few pieces for a decorative touch.
The main room
Because ?:
The person who buys the house will sleep here. So make them feel like this is a place they can retreat to when they need to.
What you can do:
The bed needs to fit the space, so make sure it’s easy to move around the bed. If it’s a double room, play with a double bed. Unless it is built into the bed, televisions do not belong in the bedrooms. Neither do computers. Keep the bed made up at all times with fresh, clean sheets. Make sure there is plenty of natural light so buyers can enjoy the features of the space. Keep closets tidy by storing clothes out of season.
Create a property profile package
Because ?:
This helps buyers see all the features that your property and neighborhood have to offer. It’s a hard copy of what makes your home the best on the block.
What you can do:
There is a lot of information you could add to a package like this. The basics include photos of your property, information about the house and lot size, the year the house was built, any special information related to the structure. You can mention any changes you would like to have made, like installing a pool or adding an additional bedroom, for example. If you’ve received quotes for these kinds of things, please include them. Add information about your neighborhood. Things like available transportation, schools, parks, shops. You can also add any information you have about future development approved for your area that contributes to the quality of life in the neighborhood.